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>Water >
National Mission for Clean Ganga
Israel-India
> Business Guide >
2017
The potential offered by the project for Israel is enormous. Israeli
companies,with their proven record in cleanwater technologies,
could not only benefit from the programme but also gain from
making in-roads into one of the world's biggest markets
G
anga,the longest andmost sacred river in India,is deeply
connected to Indian history. All along its course, people
bathe in the holy water to pay homage to their Gods
and ancestors. Ashes from the pyre of dead people are often
immersed in the river. Many holidays and festivals such as the
famous Kumbh Mela are closely associated with the river.
With a length of more than 2,500 Kms,the Ganga is the lifeline for
about 40% of India's population spread across 11 States.Various
urban centers (including the world's oldest cities like Varanasi
and Patna) draw water from the river to meet their daily needs.
Unfortunately,a rapidly increasing population,growing standards of
living and exponential growth of industrialization and urbanization
have exposed the river to massive deterioration in water quality.
In some stretches,river water has become unfit even for bathing.
Approximately,12,000million liters per day of sewage is generated,
whereas only 4000 million liters are being treated. Though the
share of industrial pollution is only about 20 percent, its toxic
and non-biodegradable nature make it a grave danger to the
river.There are more than 760 industrial units (mainly chemicals
and paper) along the banks of the river.These units alone dump
more than 500 million liters of wastewater into the river on a
daily basis. Studies suggest that 80% of the health problems
along the river basins have a direct link to contaminated water
from the river.
Looking for new technologies
In 2014,the present Government announced the“Namami Gange”
project (obeisance to the Ganga River) and allocated approximately
USD 306 million towards the comprehensive project during that
year.It was decided that the Federal Government will fund 100%
of the projects undertaken and will provide for operation and
maintenance of the assets created for a minimum 10-year period.
This ambitious project has opened its doors to foreign investments.
Besides foreign investments, new technologies relevant for the
rejuvenation process such as pollution interception,wastewater
treatment through bio-remediation,sewage treatment,industrial
desalination, etc., offers immense potential for foreign entities.
The potential offered by the project for Israel is enormous.Israeli
companies,with their proven record in clean water technologies,
could not only benefit from the programme but also gain from
making in-roads into one of the world's biggest markets.Tie-ups
with large Indian companies and conglomerates are associated
perks. Some Israeli companies like Ayala Water Company and
Aqwise are already on board. Testifying to the scope of the
programme, Israeli Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel led a business
delegation of water experts to India in April 2016 to take part
in the IndiaWaterWeek,in which Israel was the partner country.
The Holy River
is in Need of
Rejuvenation
Israeli companies with
proven record in clean
water technologies can
help and benefit from
Clean Ganga Project
Commercial Wing,
Embassy of India in Israel
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